Sailing a potential gold mine

SUBIC BAY—After witnessing Filipino sailors make waves in keelboat racing, the FarEast 28R class will be the center of attraction in the sailing competition of the 2019 Philippine Southeast Asian Games.

The victory of the Philippine Sailing Association (PSA) team skippered by Emerson Villena in the Standard Insurance Subic Bay Cup Regatta here has validated the observation of sailing chief Ernesto “Judes” Echauz that the country has a potential gold mine in the event.

The PSA squad controlled the first six races on the calm waters near the shore of the former US naval base, assuring the Philippines the title over Singapore, Japan and Taiwan with still two more races remaining.

“As the host country, we have the luxury of choosing the events that we want in the SEA Games,” said Echauz, the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s co-Executive of the Year awardee, the other being San Miguel Corporation chief Ramon S. Ang.

“Sailing with the FarEast 28R will give us an edge in the medal race.”

When the national team topped the Asian Sailing Federation FarEast 28R Championship in China last year, it became an eye-opener for the local sailing federation after Filipino junior sailors won all seven races at the expense of New Zealand and Singapore.

“The best feeling after winning the championship is when the team goes on stage, displays the Philippine flag,” said Echauz, group chair of Standard Insurance Co. Inc.

Standard Insurance has donated six FarEast 28R boats to the PSA for national sailors to further hone their skills.